The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Girls can join Bromley High Junior School, the Primary phase of the School at 4 years of age in one of our two Reception classes. There are 40 places available in Reception (2 Form Entry). All children start the Reception class in the September during the academic year in which they become 5 years of age. They continue at the Junior School throughout Key Stage 1 & 2 until the end of Year 6.
The Early Years Foundation Stage is the girls' first experience of schooling. Girls are taught within the shared EYFS area. Here, they can move freely from one area to the next experiencing learning through their own initiated play, guided play. They also take part in guided play and teacher directed activites, which are designed to specifically address particular skills. Girls have access to our exclusive outdoor learning environment at all times of the day and in all weathers.
Girls throughout the EYFS socialise and learn alongside each other. The staff team of five adults work closely together to ensure that each girl experiences the full range of activities and that her learning is assessed regularly to encourage progression.
At Bromley High Junior School, we believe that play is at the heart of all learning. In the Early Years Foundation Stage the girls follow the EYFS Framework. Girls are encouraged to experience a wide range of activities to ensure that they develop as well rounded, independent learners.
The 7 areas of learning. The 3 prime areas are;
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The 4 specific areas are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Each of these areas is given equal importance and may be accessed both inside and outdoors.
The curriculum in the EYFS and KS1 is taught through termly creative curriculum themes. These themes link all the learning into topics which capture and spark the girls’ imaginations. Much use is made of the local area with trips and visitors playing an integral part in learning. Each Term culminates in a 'Fabulous Finish' to celebrate their learning.
At certain times of the day the children are encouraged to take part in large group activities such as handwriting, rhymes, singing, storytelling, phonics and number sessions relating to the termly themes. Reading and writing are taught through the use of synthetic phonics and supported by a structured reading scheme.
Specialist Subjects
Specialist teachers work throughout the School to ensure that their expert knowledge benefits all our girls. Within the Reception classes girls receive weekly lessons by specialists for RE, French, Music and ICT.
Assessment
Academic rigour is ensured through regular assessment of the girls’ learning and standards. Girls are assessed throughout their time in the Foundation Stage using the Foundation Stage Profile.
Key Stage 1
At the end of the Reception year girls progress into Key Stage 1. This consists of Years 1 & 2.
The girls in Key Stage 1 follow the National Curriculum subjects as well as Personal, Social, Health Education with Citizenship and RE. The transition from Reception to Year 1 is dealt with sensitively, especially in the first term where Year 1 girls continue to learn through play. Year 1 teachers use the Foundation Stage Profiles to build an accurate picture of children’s learning and progress.
We excite and stimulate the girls’ imaginations by exploring subject knowledge through the use of an overarching creative curriculum topic This enables the teachers to plan effectively for the innovative programme of enrichment activities whilst ensuring the learning is appropriate and challenging for each specific year group. English and Maths are taught daily. Reading and writing continue to be taught through the use of synthetic phonics supported by a structured reading scheme.
Specialist Subjects
As in the Reception classes, specialist teachers ensure that their expert knowledge benefits all our girls. Within Key Stage 1 girls receive weekly lessons by specialists for RE, French, music, gym and ICT.
Students who are gifted and talented and those with special educational needs are identified and interventions are put in place to help address their needs.
Assessment
Academic rigour is ensured through regular assessment of the girls’ learning and standards. Girls are assessed throughout their time in Key Stage 1 through marking, observations and formal testing.